Bad News For This Central New York Restaurant?

Bad news (and potentially good news) for lovers of Chipotle Mexican Grill. The national chain announced it will close up to 65 underperforming stores in the near future. It's uncertain whether locations in New Hartford and Syracuse will be affected.

The company struggled in 2015 amid outbreaks of E. coli and salmonella, and has gone through a series of key re-organizing moves, including the hiring of a new CEO, Brian Niccol, who is credited with the latest popularity surge for Taco Bell and who could improve the outlook for Chipotle.

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Niccol created the "Doritos Tacos Loco" craze at Taco Bell, and Chipotle is hoping his hiring will bring about successful changes to its menu, which critics have accused of being unimaginative.

Chipotle is adding a customer loyalty program in 2019, and may plan to offer franchising and other modern touches, according to analysts.

Are you a Chipotle fan? Or, do your Mexican food dollars go to Taco Bell or local Mexican eateries?